Ants are social insects whose nests can be found both indoors and outdoors. Each nest contains one or more queen ants that lay eggs and are taken care of by worker ants. Certain times of the year, many ant species produce winged ants that leave the nest to establish new colonies. Winged ants are commonly mistaken with termites; however, there are distinct differences between the two.

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There are numerous species of ants that can infest your home. The following is a list of common household ants and information about each species:

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1. Odorous house ant – Color – brown to black; Size – approx 1/8 inch; Odor when crushed – rotten-coconut-like or a banana-like odor; Food –feed on living or dead insects and sweets and other household foods; Nest sites – shallow nests in shady, moist areas such as mulch, stones, logs, and bee hives – Indoors – wall voids near pipes and heaters, termite-damages wood, beneath carpets and toilets.

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2. Argentine ant – Color – light to dark brown; Size – approx 1/8 inch; Odor when crushed – rotten-coconut-like or a banana-like odor with a faint musty odor; Food – feed on nectar, fruit tree buds, ripened fruit, eggs, meats, oils, and sweets; Not widespread in TN, but localized in Knoxville, Chattanooga and other areas; Nest sites – Outdoors in mulch, soil, trees

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3. Allegheny mound ant – Color – head and thorax red, abdomen and legs dark; Size – 1/8-1/4 inch; Distinguishing feature – uneven thorax which distinguishes it from a carpenter ant; Food – feeds on living and dead insects, honeydew; Nest sites – usually not found indoors, large mounds;

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4. Black field ant – Color – black to very dark brown; Size – 3/8 inch; Food – feeds on living and dead insects, honeydew; Nest sites – large mounds that only reach grass height, under rocks, firewood, etc. Not usually found indoors

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5. Carpenter ant – Color – black, black and red, golden; Size – 1/8-5/8 inch; Food – living and dead insects, honeydew; Nest sites – firewood, moisture-damaged wood, trees, fences

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6. Little black ant – Color – black; Size – 1/16 inch; Food – insects, honeydew, sweets, meats, bread, oils, vegetables, and fruits; Nest sites – in soil, stones, rotten wood, masonry

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7. Fire ant – Color – reddish brown to dark brown; Size – 1/8 to ¼ inch; Food – other insects, oils, seeds, dead animals; Nest sites – Mounds up to 2 ft. high